**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey as a first-year student in [Materials Science and Engineering](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/materials-science-engineering-meng/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=mra-blogs&utm_content=link) at Imperial College London. As someone naturally shy and introverted, the thought of jumping into university life was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and much enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting hurdles I encountered was forming new friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, you might share the same concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term’s start, I found myself hiding in my room all day, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently assert that I’ve built some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a surrogate family here at Imperial, beginning with small conversations with others who were feeling just as I was.
So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance right at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be lots of ice-breaking activities and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, just be genuine. With such a wide array of individuals in the course and university, you’re bound to find those who connect with you.
### Handling the Academic Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a notable transition from A-levels, and an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in this atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re falling behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty with something, it’s likely others are too. The essential lesson is to ask for assistance. This may have been the most pivotal lesson I learned in my first year—never hesitate to reach out for help from your classmates and instructors.
### The Value of Support from Staff
Speaking of instructors, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. They genuinely care about students’ success and fully understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept open lines of communication regarding the issues we faced. I didn’t entirely utilize the support services until late in the year, but I wish I had begun to do so much sooner.
At the year’s outset, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which proved incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway is to maximize the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Final Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has demonstrated to me that the apprehension I felt prior to and during my university experience was mostly unwarranted. There are ample support systems available, from staff to fellow students, ready to help you tackle the challenges ahead. I’ve come to realize that I am never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoying university life while managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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